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Rockies' Drew Stubbs calls timing root of strikeout issues

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

Rockies outfielder Drew Stubbs has struck out eight times in his last three games entering Wednesday and 17 times this spring, but he believes he has discovered the issue at the plate, MLB.com reports.

"Up until a week ago or less than that, I was feeling really good at the plate," Stubbs said. "More recently, I'm going through a battle with my timing. I've been late a lot of times and it's causing me to not see the ball as well, and it's put me in a funk."

Stubbs has decided not to change his mechanics but rather rely on the awareness of the issue to correct the problem.

"The last few days I've had a lot of stuff going through my head, and that's where you can get yourself in trouble," Stubbs said. "You start having a lot of clutter. I'm trying to get to the root of it, which is timing. I was feeling way too good in my batting-practice work and my cage [work] before it started happening, so I know my swing is fine. If all the mechanics are working, it's got to be your timing."

Padres outfielder Drew Stubbs is lighting up pitchers in spring training. Stubbs hit his second home run of the spring Wednesday, followed by an RBI single against the Padres. Stubbs was trying to work the ball to the opposite field Wednesday, reports MLB.com.

"I hadn't really hit too many balls to right-center or right field," Stubbs said. "Most of my hits had been to the pull side. To get that swing off [field] felt good today."

Stubbs pushed his average to .333 this spring with two home runs and four RBI. Despite adding eight strikeouts, Stubbs has a .381 on-base percentage and .444 slugging.

Stubbs is set to make $5.825 million in 2015. The 30-year-old is coming off one of the finest seasons of his career, hitting .289/.339/.482 over 388 at-bats. Colorado has received calls on Stubbs during the offseason, but it's unclear if the team wants to move him.

"In general, there has been interest in Drew from teams looking for very specific fits in their outfield," general manager Jeff Bridich said. Bridich went on to add that the Rockies also see Stubbs as a fit on their current roster, so it's unclear whether a trade will get done.

Stubbs understands the situation, though expressed an interest to remain in Denver. "I've enjoyed playing in Denver," he said. "But at the same time, it's a business and they've got to make the best decisions for the team."